“There’s far more public funding for music in mainland Europe and I wonder if that creates an atmosphere of safety – so there is not that same desire to push the envelope.”

“European pop music has always been terrible, particularly French”

Jamie MacColl

Despite the international flavour, the new effort is still very much a BBC offering.

“It isn’t a world music album,” Jamie insisted. “It’s using infl uences cleverly and taking the best parts of the music. I’d be surprised if we moved away from making pop songs you can play on guitar, even if the sound on top changes.”

The lads will be on tour during the BRIT Awards but are fans of the big nominees.

Jamie said: “It’s really good how much Disclosure have bridged the gap between pop and something more interesting.

“But at the top of the game I see Arctic Monkeys and Vampire Weekend leading the way – they are our benchmarks.” Jamie’s a bit jealous of Disclosure too.

He added: “Lorde is singing with them at the BRITs – she’d be cool to work with.”